Author: Laura Robertson

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Boys Home Welcomes New Director of Athletics and Recreation

Boys Home of Virginia is excited to announce Donnie Costigan as the director of athletics and recreation. Donnie is a Boys Home alumnus, arriving on “The Hill” at age nine. After graduating from Alleghany High School in 1995, he attended Bluefield University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree.

While at Boys Home, Donnie was a three-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. He claims, “Sports had a positive influence during my time at Boys Home. They kept me out of trouble. In addition, sports taught me the valuable life lesson of winning and losing on and off the court.” While playing basketball at Boys Home, he earned the record of 2nd all-time leading scorer with 1,687 points. Donnie was able to continue his basketball career through college, playing at the Division II level.

His career path brought him back to Boys Home in 2003. After his return, Donnie held the positions of houseparent, intake and evaluation manager, campus life coordinator and team leader. He always felt called to give more to the current students, specifically through his passion for sports. Some initial goals in his new role are to expand the variety of sports offered, move Boys Home into an independent sports league and offer junior varsity programs. There will also be a focus on providing an opportunity for every student interested in sports to be able to play in some fashion.

Boys Home is thrilled to have a positive leader and alumnus assume this important position. Donnie lives the Boys Home vision of creating a community that inspires young men to positively impact those around them.

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Boys Home Honors All Staff with Appreciation Luncheon

 

On May 18, Boys Home celebrated its staff with a special luncheon. The event took place in the Ben Parrott Dining Hall on campus where both students and employees enjoyed an excellent meal prepared by the dining hall staff. The Boys Home community is composed of a mission-driven staff with individuals serving in different roles, but united in the mission and vision so as to best serve the students. 

The dining hall itself is a hub of activity at Boys Home. The dedicated kitchen staff serves three meals a day, 365 days a year. It’s a place where students and staff can pause during their day and gather as a “family” to share a meal. In addition, it represents a space where students can develop socially and spiritually. Each meal begins with a prayer and scripture reading. Additionally, there is dining hall etiquette that must be followed by students and staff. For example, if a woman approaches the table and prepares to sit down, all males must stand. Staff and students sit together and engage in conversation, providing an opportunity for relationships to develop.

The staff appreciation luncheon was enjoyed by all who attended this annual spring event. 

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • Events

Boys Home Spring Cowabunga Fundraiser was a Big Splash!

Boys Home students drop the cows into the creek.

Mrs. Caroline English with her winning cow and sash!

 

Holy cow! Boys Home of Virginia hosted it’s spring Cowabunga fundraiser on Thursday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m. This event was similar to a duck derby but with small foam cows. Participants  purchased a total of 818 cows to be released from the Boys Home bridge into Dunlap Creek.  This event wrapped up the annual Open House and all visitors cheered with the students and  staff as the cows rushed down the creek to the finish line. In a quick run of 2 minutes and 24  seconds, the winning cow #172 crossed the finish line! 

Mrs. Caroline English of Greenville, South Carolina, was the winner of the $1,000 prize. She is a  cow enthusiast and was very excited to be the winner. She generously chose to donate the  prize moolah back to Boys Home. Mrs. English was unable to be present for the event but was sent the winning cow as a souvenir. 

This was a fun, unique event and Boys Home is thankful to everyone for their participation and  support. If you have any questions about Boys Home of Virginia, call Melinda at 540-965-7707  or visit www.boyshomeofva.org. 

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • Events

Boys Home Spring Open House is a huge success!

                                                                                     

On Thursday, April 28, Boys Home of Virginia hosted a crowd of 77 guests at their Spring Open House. The day began with a second showing of the student play “The Living Last Supper” at 10:30 a.m. As always, the students did an amazing job. In addition, teachers and students had prepared an array of displays and projects for guests to preview.

At 11:30 a.m., a delicious lunch was served by the Boys Home dining staff. The meal was followed by a fun and informative Q & A panel discussion which included three current students – Nick, Haden and Chris, as well as staff member, Mr. Donnie Costigan, who is also an alumnus of Boys Home. Guests also enjoyed meeting the new executive director of Boys Home, Mr. Chris Doyle, and hearing him answer a few panel questions as well.

At 1:00 p.m., guests were dismissed to enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the Boys Home campus including the executive director’s home and the Martha Terry Museum. At 2:00 p.m., all visitors were invited to gather at the Boys Home bridge to watch the conclusion of the Spring Cowabunga fundraising event. Congratulations to Mrs. Caroline English of Greenville, South Carolina on purchasing the winning cow!

Boys Home is grateful to all who came to the event. The campus is located in a beautiful setting and is home to up to 60 young men ages 6-17 who either have no suitable home environment or who have difficulties that might best be solved away from their immediate home. If you’d like a tour or would like more information, please call Boys Home at 540-965-7717.